The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Episodes

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  Ep #460: Flip the Fall Dip: When the New School Year Loses Momentum 20.10.2026 17m

  The beginning of a new school year often brings excitement, fresh energy, and momentum. But as September and October roll around, that initial enthusiasm can start to fade, leaving school leaders feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why everything suddenly feels harder.     In this special preview episode, I share clips from my Flip the Fall Dip 2026 series, exploring the highs and lows of school culture and the emotional energy that shapes our experience as leaders. I discuss why the shift from the excitement of a new school year to the daily grind can feel like something has gone wrong, how we absorb the emotions of the people around us, and why physical, mental, and emotional fatigue can leave us focused on everything that isn't working.                                                                 Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/460             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching
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  Ep #459: Internal Data: Leading Beyond the Numbers 13.10.2026 18m

  School leaders are surrounded by data every day. From attendance and academics to behavior and surveys, there is no shortage of information available to guide decisions. But what if the most important data is the information we receive from within ourselves?     In this episode, I explore internal data and why understanding your own thoughts, beliefs, emotions, values, and intuition is essential for effective leadership. We often focus so much on external data that we overlook the internal guidance that helps us interpret what we see, make aligned decisions, and understand what we truly need. I share why external data alone cannot create meaningful change and how paying attention to your internal compass can help you lead with greater clarity and confidence.                                                             Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/459             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching
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  Ep #458: When Your Empowerment Takes a Hit 06.10.2026 16m

  Even the most empowered leaders have moments when their confidence, certainty, and sense of personal power are shaken. Sometimes it happens gradually through small moments we overlook; other times, it arrives as a major challenge that changes everything.     In this episode, I share a deeply personal reflection on what happens when your empowerment takes a hit. I explore the moments when you question yourself, doubt your decisions, or wonder whether you can recover from a difficult season. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they can also become opportunities for awareness, growth, and reconnecting with your own personal power.                                                         Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/458             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching
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  Ep #457: Authority in Leadership: The Beliefs That Shape How You Lead 29.09.2026 24m

  The way you think about authority shapes the way you lead. Every interaction with a person in a position of power, influence, or experience is filtered through the beliefs you carry about yourself, your voice, and what you are capable of.     In this episode, I explore authority in leadership and the beliefs that influence how we show up with peers, supervisors, and other people in positions of authority. I look at how childhood experiences, past relationships, and deeply held assumptions can shape how we interpret authority today.                                                        Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/457             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching
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  Ep #456: A New School Leadership Architecture: Rethinking How We Lead with Lindsay Whorton 22.09.2026 38m

  School leaders are carrying more responsibility than ever, but what if the solution is not simply asking them to do more?    In this episode, I talk with Lindsay Whorton, president of The Holdsworth Center and author of A New School Leadership Architecture, about why the future of school leadership requires a different approach. We discuss how the principal's role has expanded over time, why expecting one person to carry every aspect of instructional leadership is unsustainable, and how schools can build greater leadership capacity by empowering others.                                                    Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/456             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching       Learn more about Lindsay's work here: https://holdsworthcenter.org
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  Ep #455: Hypervigilance vs. Resilience: What's Really Driving Your Leadership? 15.09.2026 19m

  Being able to handle anything is often viewed as a sign of strong leadership. But there is a difference between true resilience and constantly staying on guard, pushing through, and relying on survival mode to get through challenges.      In this episode, I explore the difference between hypervigilance and resilience and how I once confused the two in my own leadership journey. I look at why hypervigilance can feel productive and responsible, especially for school leaders who are used to managing endless demands, but how it can also disconnect us from ourselves, our needs, and our own wisdom. True resilience is not about avoiding hard moments; it's about trusting yourself to process challenges, learn from them, and move forward.                                                      Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and Flip the Fall Dip registration info here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/455             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching
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  Ep #454: Protecting Students in the Digital Age: A Conversation with Laura Parker 08.09.2026 46m

  Disclaimer: This episode includes a conversation about human trafficking, online exploitation, and the ways children can be vulnerable in digital spaces. This is an important but difficult topic, and we invite you to listen in a way that allows you to process the conversation with care.     Protecting students means preparing them for the world they live in, including the digital spaces they navigate every day.        In this episode, I talk with Laura Parker, CEO and co-founder of The Exodus Road, a global anti-human trafficking organization, about the importance of digital safety in schools and why educators cannot afford to avoid these conversations. We discuss the rise of online exploitation, why prevention and early conversations are essential, and how school leaders can support students by becoming trusted adults who create safe spaces for disclosure.                                                  Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and Flip the Fall Dip registration info here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/454             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://facebook.com/akellycoaching       Learn more about Laura's work here: https://lauraparker.org
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  Ep #453: Awareness Resistance: Why School Leaders Avoid What They Need to See 01.09.2026 41m

  Growth begins with awareness, but awareness requires the courage to see what is really happening. As school leaders, we often know what needs attention, yet we can resist looking closely because of the emotions, vulnerability, and uncertainty that come with facing the truth.      In this episode, I explore the concept of awareness resistance and why we sometimes avoid the very information that could help us create change. I look at the patterns that keep us in the cycle of hype, disappointment, and rinse-and-repeat leadership, and why creating awareness is the first step toward meaningful growth.                                            Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and Flip the Fall Dip registration info here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/453             Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #452: Beyond the IEP: Building Stronger Parent-School Partnerships with Youness El Fehdi 25.08.2026 33m

  Supporting students with disabilities requires more than following a plan. It requires trust, communication, and strong partnerships between families and schools.       In this episode, I talk with Youness El Fehdi, author and parent advocate, about his experience navigating the education system as the father of a child with autism. We discuss the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and school leaders, how to approach IEP conversations from a place of partnership rather than blame, and why parents bring valuable insight that can help educators better support their students.                                       Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/452           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/        Check out Youness's website: https://elfehdiauthor.com/
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  Ep #451: Empowered Routines: Creating Habits That Support Your Leadership 18.08.2026 21m

  The routines we create shape the way we lead, the way we show up, and the results we create. When we become intentional about our routines, we can move from operating on autopilot to creating habits that support the leader we want to be.   In this episode, I explore how empowered routines can help school leaders create the outcomes and experiences they desire. We discuss why routines are not just about what we do, but about who we become through the actions we take consistently.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/451           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #450: The Stories You'll Tell: Creating Your Legacy as a School Leader 11.08.2026 21m

  The stories we tell about our leadership experiences are shaped by the choices we make every day.       In this episode, I reflect on the deeper purpose behind school leadership and why the work we do is about more than getting through the daily grind. When we lead with intention, awareness, and consciousness, we can create experiences that align with our values and the legacy we want to create.              Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/450           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #449: The Dysregulated Kid: Creating More Regulated Schools with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge 04.08.2026 39m

  Understanding student behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation can transform the way schools support students, teachers, and families. When we move beyond labels and look at what a child's behavior may be communicating, we create opportunities for connection, learning, and growth.      In this episode, I talk with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading expert in nervous system regulation and author of The Dysregulated Kid®, about how regulation impacts learning, behavior, and mental health. We discuss why creating more regulated schools starts with helping adults regulate themselves, how shared language and simple strategies can support entire classrooms, and why students don't need to wait for a diagnosis before receiving tools that help them thrive.                                       Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/449           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/        Pre-order Roseann's book, The Dysregulated Kid®, here: https://dysregulatedkid.com/
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  Ep #448: The Power of Authenticity in Leadership 28.07.2026 20m

  Authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership and essential for creating lasting impact.      In this episode, I explore the distractions of trends, external opinions, the pressure to fit in, and why chasing these can pull leaders away from their most authentic and powerful selves. I share examples from my experience coaching school leaders and reflect on how the power of authenticity grounds your leadership energy.            Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/448           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #447: Secrets of the Successful School Leader 21.07.2026 13m

  Being a successful school leader requires more than managing schedules and programs; it requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the ability to inspire your staff and students.       In this episode, I share insights from my experience working with school leaders to reveal the habits, mindsets, and strategies that distinguish those who thrive from those who struggle. I explore the differences between leaders who lead from fear, self-doubt, or reactivity, and those who operate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.         Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/447           Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #446: The Empowered Principal Academy: Mastering Coaching & Leadership 14.07.2026 9m

  Leadership isn't about getting people to comply; it's about inspiring them into action.      In this special episode, I introduce The Empowered Principal Academy (EPA), my newest and most comprehensive leadership development program designed to help school leaders master the art of coaching, mentoring, and instructional leadership. I share why coaching is the missing leadership skill that most principals were never taught, yet one that has the power to transform school culture, empower educators, and create a ripple effect that impacts students.       Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/446         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #445: New Beginnings in School Leadership and The Empowered Principal Academy 07.07.2026 27m

  A new school year is the perfect opportunity for fresh starts and renewed focus.   In this episode, I share insights on embracing new beginnings in school leadership and introduce The Empowered Principal Academy, my newest program designed to equip leaders with the tools, mindset, and strategies to thrive in their roles.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/445         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #444: Leadership Clarity: Finding Your Compass 30.06.2026 18m

  Making clear, confident decisions as a school leader can be challenging when multiple priorities, pressures, and competing perspectives pull you in different directions. Finding clarity is not just about making choices but understanding your own mindset, emotions, and the internal signals that guide your decision-making.        In this episode, I explore the concept of leadership clarity and the metaphor of a compass to help you navigate complex situations. I discuss how to pause, observe your thoughts and reactions, and distinguish between fear-based impulses and grounded, intentional action.                                     Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/444         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #443: The Land of And: Embracing Abundance in School Leadership 23.06.2026 31m

  Leadership is full of challenges and competing priorities. It's easy to fall into "all or none" thinking, believing that if one thing goes wrong, the entire day or outcome is a failure.     In this episode, I talk about the concept of the Land of And, a mindset of abundance that allows leaders to hold multiple truths at once, embrace complexity, and approach problems with both clarity and flexibility. I share practical examples from school leadership to illustrate how you can experience joy and success while navigating difficult situations, addressing challenges, and making high-stakes decisions.                                    Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/443         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/
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  Ep #442: Not Your Granny's Grammar: Engaging Grammar Instruction with Patty McGee 16.06.2026 46m

  Understanding how students experience and engage with language is key to creating meaningful literacy learning. Yet so often, grammar instruction is approached in a rigid, punitive, or overly prescriptive way, leaving both students and teachers frustrated.      In this episode, I talk with Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny's Grammar, about how she reimagines grammar instruction to make it engaging, experiential, and student-centered. We explore her philosophy for creating learning experiences in which students can experiment with language, reflect on their writing, and develop confidence, while teachers feel empowered to guide without fear of making mistakes.                                 Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and a code for 20% off Patty's book here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/442         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/      Learn more about Patty's work: https://pattymcgee.org/
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  Ep #441: Experiential Neuroscience in Education with Thayne Martin 09.06.2026 40m

  Disclaimer: Please be advised that this episode contains content related to childhood trauma and a suicide attempt. If these topics are challenging for you, you may wish to skip this episode or seek support.       Understanding how students think, feel, and connect is key to creating meaningful learning experiences. Yet so often, the human side of education is overlooked in favor of purely academic outcomes.        In this episode, I talk with Thayne Martin, a leading expert in experiential neuroscience, about how understanding the brain and emotions can transform the educational experience. We dive into how gratitude, prosocial skills, and experiential learning techniques help students develop resilience, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thayne shares practical strategies for educators and school leaders to incorporate these approaches into classrooms, staff culture, and leadership practices.                      Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/441        Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/       Connect with Thayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaynemartin